Stress and Aging Flashcards
What is the definition of aging?
can be defined as progressive, generalized impairment of function resulting in a loss of adaptive response to a stress.
What are some health problems seen in appearance?
- hair starts to thin
- skin dries out
- built up muscles and fat breaks down
- eyesight sucks
- loss of hearing
What are some changes in health that can occur?
- 1% decline in physical strength and sense each year
- 25% of individuals over 65 are obese
- 40% have chronic disease
What are the major causes of death in old age?
heart disease, cancer, stroke, high cholesterol
What are some examples of changes in mental functioning?
- fluid intelligence - ability to solve abstract problems
- crystallized intelligence - ability to accumulate knowledge and learning continues
- senile dementia - forgetfulness, memory loss, impaired thinking
Why do we age?
- programmed theories (cellular clock theory)
- hormonal stress theory
- damage theories (free radical theory)
What is the cellular clock theory?
cells can divide a maximum of about 75-80 times and as we age, they cant divide as much, which means humans could only live till 120 years old MAX
What is the hormonal stress theory?
if i have a lot of stress, everytime my HPA system reacts it remains elevated longer, increasing the risk of heart disease and cancer
What are the stressors with old age?
- diseases or health conditions
- percieved loss of social status
- death of a spouse/child/sibling
What are the problems with substance abuse and old age?
- negative self esteem
- coping skills are bad
- causes phsyical and mental health problems
What is the thing you can control to help you with all cause mortality?
cardio respiratory fitness allow to control your chances of dying
